Easy 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken: 5 Simple Steps

3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ) is the weeknight dinner savior you never knew you needed! Imagine succulent chicken bursting with tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors, all achieved with just three simple ingredients. That’s right, only three! 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ) brings this dream to life.

This recipe reminds us of Sunday dinners at Nonna’s house. While Nonna Maria was always the master of the complex sauces, even she sometimes needed a quick and easy win. This adaptable recipe is a tribute to those times, proving that delicious doesn’t always mean difficult. It’s a taste of Italy, simplified for your busy life.

Why You Will Love This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ) Recipe

What’s not to love about a dish that's ready in under an hour with minimal effort? This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ) recipe is perfect for those nights when you’re craving something comforting but don’t have the time for extensive cooking. It's a symphony of sweet and savory that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more.

The orange marmalade adds a delightful citrusy sweetness that complements the savory BBQ sauce. As Nonnas, we appreciate a recipe that’s both easy and flavorful, and this one hits all the right notes. It’s the perfect balance of comfort, speed, flavor, and incredible ease. We think you'll love this 3 ingredient orange chicken recipe.

Ingredients Needed for This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ) Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into cubes)
1 cup orange marmalade
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand!)

3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (BBQ Marmalade): Easiest Recipe EVER! 6

How to Make This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ) Recipe

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, combine the orange marmalade and barbecue sauce. Whisk until well blended to create your simple, yet delicious orange marmalade BBQ sauce.
Place the chicken in a baking dish.
Pour the orange marmalade BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

How to Serve This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ) Recipe

This versatile 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ) can be served in so many ways!

Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Use it as a filling for lettuce wraps.
Shred it and use it in tacos.
Pair it with roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

Consider a side of garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce – delizioso! You could also try this chicken nestled into a bed of Honey Bbq Chicken Rice (https://nonnasdishes.com/honey-bbq-chicken-rice/) for a heart warming meal.

How to Store This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ) Recipe

Refrigerate: Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating to prevent it from drying out.

Tips to Make This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ) Recipe

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orange marmalade BBQ sauce.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a good quality BBQ with no chunks.
Make sure the chicken is cooked through but not dry. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. If necessary, use two dishes to ensure even cooking.

Helpful Notes for This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ) Recipe

Feel free to use any type of barbecue sauce you like. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay more moist than chicken breasts, but both work well in this recipe.
If you're short on time, you can even use pre-cooked chicken. Just reduce the baking time accordingly.

Variation of This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ) Recipe

Pineapple Orange Chicken: Add a can of crushed pineapple to the sauce for a tropical twist.
Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or other hot sauce to the orange marmalade BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
Grilled Orange Chicken: Marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, then grill until cooked through. For another option, you could consider our Easy Orange Chicken (https://nonnasdishes.com/easy-orange-chicken/).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 3 ingredients for orange chicken?

The recipe utilizes a unique blend of just 3 ingredients to bring this easy orange chicken to life. You’ll need chicken, your favorite orange marmalade and barbecue sauce. The combination makes a tangy, sweet and savory flavorful dish!

How do you make orange chicken sticky?

The natural sugars in the orange marmalade helps the sauce to thicken and become beautifully sticky as it reduces during cooking. This creates a perfect glaze on the chicken without needing any extra thickening agents.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe for use with other cuts of chicken, like chicken thighs. However, cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut. Remember to make sure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

What side dishes go well with orange chicken?

Orange chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes! Try serving it with fluffy rice, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal. You can also serve with soba noodles or even a baked potato!

3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (BBQ Marmalade): Easiest Recipe EVER!

This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ) recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner solution. Succulent chicken in a tangy and sweet sauce, ready in under an hour with minimal effort!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:

Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 15g

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into cubes)
1 cup orange marmalade
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand!)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, combine the orange marmalade and barbecue sauce. Whisk until well blended.
Place the chicken in a baking dish.
Pour the orange marmalade BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different types of barbecue sauce to find your favorite flavor combination. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Author
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Maria Rossi

Maria Rossi specializes in delicious pizzas tailored to dietary needs. Whether gluten-free, vegan, or alternative recipes, Maria is dedicated to making pizza accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Her innovative approach blends health and flavor, proving that dietary restrictions don’t mean compromising on taste.